Money laundering – Venezuelan jailed

On Friday, December 4, 2015 about 12:01 a.m. police conducted an operation at a hotel situated in the North of the island.

During the operation, a search conducted in the room of Reglio Jesus Patino Reyes, a Venezuelan national, revealed the sum of USD$7,610.00, EURO €17,950.00, Bolivars VEF 4,020.00 , six dollars in Chinese currency (CNY 6) and EC$5.00.

Reyes was taken to the Victoria Hospital where he was given a laxative resulting in the expulsion of thirty one (31) rolls of cash equivalent to EURO €14,000.00.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2015 police formally charged Reglio Jesus Patino Reyes, a Venezuelan national for the offence of Money Laundering.

On Thursday, March 24, 2016 Reyes was convicted for the offence of money laundering and sentenced to twelve (12) months imprisonment.

This is the very first time an individual has been convicted for money laundering in the Saint Lucia court circuit.